The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-01-22

sixteen years old. Extraordinary that tn
testator should not have changed his view
in sixteen years"
Mr.. Bold glanced up at Captain RIOS
setter as he spoke; but the latter either ha,
nothing to say, or alse did not choose t
commit himself to an opinion. He re
manned silent and Mr.. Bold, instinctively
mistrusted him the more on account of hi
reticence
"By this will, made sixteen years ago,
said the lawyer, meaningly, "the testato
left every thing he possessed to his daught
er, and appointed you sole executor and
trustee and guardian of his child"
The lawyer looked keenly at his com
panion as he made this announcement, anC
felt puzzled at his demeanor. The Cap
tain hung his head for moment, and ther
blew his nose violently. One would almos
have imagined that he was sentimentally
affected by the news. But the lawyer
being in a suspicious mood, was chiefly
struck by the fact that Captain Rossetel
studiously avoided meeting his gaze.
II suppose the young lady, Miss Ire.
mayne, is alive" inquired Mr.. Bold.
"Yes," answered the Captain.
"She must be nearly grown up" con-
tinued Mr. Bold.
The Captain nodded, but seemed by his
manner to wish to change the subject
Mr.. Bold noticed this at the time, and
thought a good deal about it afterwards.
"Of course, Captain Rosseter," said
Mr.. Bold, in his most convincing and au'
thoritative tone, "you will not take upon
yourself the responsibility thrust upon you
by this will, which, no doubt, was never
intended to stand"
"Why do you say that p inquired the
Captain, rather quickly.
well, frankly, Captain Rosseter, be-
tween you and me, do you consider that
you are fitted to be young lady's guar
dian? Excuse my outspokenness, added
the lawyer, endeayoring to soften his re-
marks by smiling and showing his false
teeth; "but really, now, would you in the
testator's place
"Any how, there is the will, interposed
Captain Rosseter, evidently not liking the
insinuation.
ayes, here is the will, but l should GER
'tainly ads.se you-te wash your handsof
it," said Mr.. Bold, in fatherly manner.
"What I propose to do is to pay the
money-by the way, l suppose there is
money!"
81 suppoae so, said the Captain, with
real or affected carolessness.
"Pay the money into court and get a
legal guardian appointed resumed Mr..
Bold, with cheerful confidence. "You viii
thus be relieved of all responsibility and
trouble
The Captain #Ae, had, become very RED
and uncomfortable, made no answer to IL e.
suggestion, but stretched out his hand anC
took up the will. He read it through
carefully, and then proceeded to fold it up
II am entitled to have this, suppose,
he said, almost defantly.
"Well-er-yes, in strictness," replied
Mr. Bold, completely taken back. "Buti
has to be proved and deposited in the Pro
bate Court"
eyes, 1 know" replied the Captain
rising from his seat, and thrusting the doc
ument in his pocket.
cam l to understand, gasped Mr.. Bold
turning crimson, "that you propose to EN-
ploy your own solicitor ?"
~ have a solicitor" said the Captain
shortly "Good day to you, Mr.. Bold,
"Stay! Stay sirP exclaimed Mr.
Bold, endeayoring to control his indigna
ton, which almost choked him. 81 mus
trouble you to give receipt for the doc
ument"
"By all means" said the Captain, whC
seemed to have recovered his assurance
The lawyer struck the hand-bell upor
his table sharply, and with forced calmnes
instructed Whitaker to prepare the ne
cessary receipt. This formality being com
pleted, the Captain strobe out of the office
leaving the lawyer and his clerk staring a
one another in speechless indignation.
1.-THE man is rogue!" said Mr.. Bold
as soon as he could speak.
"Means to collar the money" remarked
the clerk.
"Not if 1 can help it," exclaimed Mr.
Bold, with unusual energy. "I'll apply t.
the court Immediately, and have the mai
removed from his Office
"You will have to get evidence first,
said Whitaker, prudently.
'Peoh his reputation will be suf
fcient," returned Mr.. Bold, impatiently.
However, when he came to make in
quiries about Captain Rosseter-which h
proceeded to do forthwith in the heat o
his virtuous indignation he found it NOR
difficult than he had imagined to convic
him of serious misconduct. The Captain
had led the life Of man about town, ba'
had numerous transactions with the money
lending fraternity, had played high ant
drunk pretty freely, and there were darl
corners in his career which would not, per
haps, have stood the test of sensorious in
vestigation. But there was no recorded
act of his that could be pointed out as dis
graceful or dishonorable. To Mr.. Bold
secret vexation, he found that people wer
inclined to judge the Captain leniently, t.
speak lightly Of his faults, and to lay stres
upon his good nature, his easy generosity